I know there is alot of questions out there like this but I really need so first hand experiance. My Daughters( 7+8 ) have been asking for a pocket pet for a few years now and I think they are getting old enought to take care of one. Now I know I will be doing the most of the work, but i only work 3 days per week so I do have some extra time. I have been doing some research online and have desided on a bunny or Guinea Pig for christmas. What one is better all around with kids? I had one of each when I was younger. What i remember most on the bad side was the bunny sprayed everything. The Pigs never let us touch them they ran to the other sides of the cage. Both were rescues though. Please help!!!
2006-11-08 10:02:55 · 12 answers · asked by mzwest83 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Go with Guinea Pigs. It takes a little while to tame them, but rabbits are nippy and territorial.
If you spend the time, Guinea Pigs get very friendly and playful.
Good luck
2006-11-08 10:07:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a lovely idea! I think you should get one of each and let the girls decide whos is whos.
neither animal likes being alone and most make good friends with each other - some dont and there are some breeds that are not compatible.
I recommend going to a good pet shop or breeder and asking their advice.
Bunnies can be more fun - they are not as shy and like to go for walks and be played with (some even learn to play football etc!) Pigs are really only good for the odd cuddle and squeaking!
I would be tempted to get two little bunnies - girls have sweeter tempers than boys (no, don't get one of each!!!!)
Do remember though, they take a lot of cleaning out, grooming and they need to be petted continually to keep them nice.
Ignored, dirty bunnies make evil pets.
If you have an RSPCA or animal shelter/hospital nearby they can give you lots of practical help and advice too.
2006-11-08 18:11:32 · answer #2 · answered by George B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are wonderful pets, but probably not for children. Kids like to pick up and cuddle the pet and most rabbits do not like to be held. Many like to be petted, but on their own terms...on the ground and when they want it.
Rabbits are a 7 - 10 year committment and require daily care, 3- 4 hours of exercise time out of their cage or pen, and specialized vet care. Not all vets are trained to care for rabbits. For the health and well being of the bunny, get it spayed or neutered (that will stop the spraying)
2006-11-09 16:33:03 · answer #3 · answered by Martha G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My bunny was male and would attack my sister and I when he was full grown. Later on, I had a guinea pig as a pet. He lived for a long time for a guinea pig. For over two years. Guinea Pigs are a great pick but I had to clean my pigs cage out daily-not weekly.
2006-11-08 18:10:23 · answer #4 · answered by Justme 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think they are both gentle pets but I vote for the pig. I bought one for my teenage daughter,who now doesn't do much with him.I on the other hand fell in love with him.He so sweet and cuddly,he will give me a nibble every now and again to let me know he is either uncomfortable or has to go potty.If you clean their cage weekly or their play area they do not get smelly.He(Oreo) makes me laugh when he's in his play area he runs around like mad - real fast and never in the same pattern- like he's on an obstacle coarse or something.They popcorn too!It looks like they are having a fit or something jumping,twisting and shaking,sometimes they will squeal too! It's all happy time for them and for who ever is watching.Oreo likes bell peppers and carrots,we hand feed them and when its real quite when he's finished he likes to snuggle and take a nap.He is so cute!
If U decide on a pig just be sure to show the girls the proper way to hold them and they will run to the other side of the cage alot in the beginning(just corner and scoop up) but will get use to being handled and become loving lap pets.
2006-11-09 14:48:55 · answer #5 · answered by Mary Who? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not get a gerbil? I know that wasn't one of your options, but I got an anti-social gerbil and even she was very great. Gerbils are affectionate and love people. They're cute too, and they don't require much care. They need a bath every once in a while as their fur gets greasy like humans, but it's just a quick dip in the sink and you're done. Rabbits scratch and my cousin had a guinea pig and she wasn't very nice she always ran from everyone too, but gerbils are great first pets.
2006-11-08 18:12:27 · answer #6 · answered by * 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well,
I usually work with reptiles and snakes,
But,
guinea pigs need alot more care and attention then a bunny.
Guinea Pigs are also gross and oilly in my opinion.
They dont have fur, its like human hair so it should be washed once in a while.
They do need love.and time.
Bunnys, on the other hand, are a more common and love able pet.
They dont get moody and attitude like the pigs do.
Bunnies sound like a more awesome pet.
Thats my vote.
BUUNYS.
2006-11-08 18:11:37 · answer #7 · answered by teshara winky 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Here is a good article on kids and rabbits. I woldn't suggest getting the kid a rabbit. They are not pocket pets. They can be as much work as a dog. They don't like to be picked or snuggled.
2006-11-09 08:36:19 · answer #8 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love bunnies
2006-11-08 18:16:35 · answer #9 · answered by Mary Smith 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stick with a puppy. They're friendlier and able to be housebroken in 3 days.
2006-11-08 18:05:28 · answer #10 · answered by jam_please 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋